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Hey Guys,
My contract is expired and I am thinking about calling DirecTV for an upgrade. I currently have two HR20's in my bedrooms and an HR21 in my living room. I am using the whole-home service and have they all connected to the Internet with wireless adapters (one hardwired to the router). However, I know the HR20's and HR21's can be sluggish at times and I have had my fair share of frustrating moments with them. I am just wondering if it's worth the contract extension to upgrade to the latest HR24. Is this receiver much faster and any better? Just trying to get an idea as to how the HR24's perform and if they offer any additional features? This forum is usually very useful for advice like this. So, I thought I would run it by you guys. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks In Advance...
My contract is expired and I am thinking about calling DirecTV for an upgrade. I currently have two HR20's in my bedrooms and an HR21 in my living room. I am using the whole-home service and have they all connected to the Internet with wireless adapters (one hardwired to the router). However, I know the HR20's and HR21's can be sluggish at times and I have had my fair share of frustrating moments with them. I am just wondering if it's worth the contract extension to upgrade to the latest HR24. Is this receiver much faster and any better? Just trying to get an idea as to how the HR24's perform and if they offer any additional features? This forum is usually very useful for advice like this. So, I thought I would run it by you guys. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks In Advance...
13 Replies
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7303 views
HR24 Final Verdict
I know that threads like this are more useful if they get a final solution and verdict (rather than being left open without a final result). I also know that information like this helps the forum and content helps the site overall. So, I thought I would share my thoughts for information purposes.
BTW, I just finished typing a lengthy response to this thread, but I accidently hit the back button on my browser (arggh) and I lost the text.
So, I am re-typing it again.
Ok..So, I took a gamble and ordered an HR24-500 from an online retailer on Amazon, rather than using ebay (as you never know what you'll get). My HR24 got here in two days as I a chose a seller that was within 100 miles from me and had a good reputation. When I opened it up, it was brand new, with the sealing still on the receiver and the card still in the unopened package. The receiver ID and card ID all matched perfectly.
When calling DirecTV to activate the receiver, they told me two things that I was pretty happy to hear;
Even the on-demand functions seem to work seamlessly. I have it wirelessly connected using a 5Ghz connection to my duel band router. HD movies take no longer then 10-15 minutes to download. I am even able to download on-demand 3D content in about 25 minutes (at the most). Granted, I also have extremely fast internet speeds (at 50MB/s download) which costs $100/month. However, I need this kind of speed for my home-based business).
My house now has (4) HD-DVR's; all connected to my router and all using the Whole-Home service;
I am now enjoying my DirecTV service more than I ever have before.
I just wish I had one of these HR24's for every room. I am actually considering ordering another one or two, but I keep waiting for them to come out with a new TIVO box (as I have heard they will eventually do)
Now, on another note: I'd like to point out one thing with the "whole home" service. 'll try not to confuse anyone though;
If you are going to share DVR's using the "Whole Home", I'd highly suggest making sure that you don't share content between two wirelessly connected DVR's. Make sure one of the receivers that you are (pulling the content from or watching the content on) is hardwired to the router.
I know that threads like this are more useful if they get a final solution and verdict (rather than being left open without a final result). I also know that information like this helps the forum and content helps the site overall. So, I thought I would share my thoughts for information purposes.
BTW, I just finished typing a lengthy response to this thread, but I accidently hit the back button on my browser (arggh) and I lost the text.
So, I am re-typing it again. Ok..So, I took a gamble and ordered an HR24-500 from an online retailer on Amazon, rather than using ebay (as you never know what you'll get). My HR24 got here in two days as I a chose a seller that was within 100 miles from me and had a good reputation. When I opened it up, it was brand new, with the sealing still on the receiver and the card still in the unopened package. The receiver ID and card ID all matched perfectly.
When calling DirecTV to activate the receiver, they told me two things that I was pretty happy to hear;
- My contract does NOT need to be renewed in order to active the receiver. :up I asked them multiple times to confirm. The nice lady who helped me assured me that my contract expires next month due to my last HD-DVR purchase through them 23 months ago (which I got for $75) and that my contract will not extend after activation of this receiver. Not that I plan on leaving DirecTV anytime soon. I've been with them for 15 years and I don't think any other TV service comes close. I also need my Sunday ticket and my 49ers games like I need air.
- She also assured me that the receiver is NOT leased and it's mine to do what I want with if I deactivate it from my service. Again, this isn't a big deal to me either as it's pretty much useless if I ever cancel DirecTV, which I probably never will. I guess I could sell it. But, the day I cancel directv (if ever), I am sure they will have something better.
Even the on-demand functions seem to work seamlessly. I have it wirelessly connected using a 5Ghz connection to my duel band router. HD movies take no longer then 10-15 minutes to download. I am even able to download on-demand 3D content in about 25 minutes (at the most). Granted, I also have extremely fast internet speeds (at 50MB/s download) which costs $100/month. However, I need this kind of speed for my home-based business).
My house now has (4) HD-DVR's; all connected to my router and all using the Whole-Home service;
- One in My Living Room: (1) HR24 (w/ 3D LED TV) w/ 1TB External Drive
- Two in My Office: (1) HR20-700 & (1) HR21-100)
- One in My Bedroom: (1) HR20-700
I am now enjoying my DirecTV service more than I ever have before.
I just wish I had one of these HR24's for every room. I am actually considering ordering another one or two, but I keep waiting for them to come out with a new TIVO box (as I have heard they will eventually do)
Now, on another note: I'd like to point out one thing with the "whole home" service. 'll try not to confuse anyone though;
If you are going to share DVR's using the "Whole Home", I'd highly suggest making sure that you don't share content between two wirelessly connected DVR's. Make sure one of the receivers that you are (pulling the content from or watching the content on) is hardwired to the router.
Example: If you are watching something on a receiver (that is wirelessly connected), but the content you are watching is actually recorded or another receiver (that is also wirelessly connected). You will notice some choppiness and lagging.
Again, make sure at least one of the receivers (preferably your main DVR that you record the most stuff on) is hardwired to your router. If you can't hardware your main receiver to the router, then make sure the other ones are hardwired (if possible). What I am basically saying is that the whole-home works best when they are hardwired, rather than wireless. It's not enjoyable when using two wireless receivers to communicate with each other.
Ditto on the conract issue. I know it's an individualized issue but I've been out of contract since last Oct and I'm not going anywhere. Reason: "Sports" 
I just read a little diatriabe over on the other main satt board. More "anti-sports" slanted stuff, comments like ST sub's being "wet behind the ears", etc. I am a subs for much more sports than just ST. The thing that was a little disappointing to me about that guy's post was the # of "+1"'s that it received.
I just read a little diatriabe over on the other main satt board. More "anti-sports" slanted stuff, comments like ST sub's being "wet behind the ears", etc. I am a subs for much more sports than just ST. The thing that was a little disappointing to me about that guy's post was the # of "+1"'s that it received.
I know that threads like this are more useful if they get a final solution and verdict (rather than being left open without a final result). I also know that information like this helps the forum and content helps the site overall. So, I thought I would share my thoughts for information purposes.
BTW, I just finished typing a lengthy response to this thread, but I accidently hit the back button on my browser (arggh) and I lost the text.
Ok..So, I took a gamble and ordered an HR24-500 from an online retailer on Amazon, rather than using ebay (as you never know what you'll get). My HR24 got here in two days as I a chose a seller that was within 100 miles from me and had a good reputation. When I opened it up, it was brand new, with the sealing still on the receiver and the card still in the unopened package. The receiver ID and card ID all matched perfectly.
When calling DirecTV to activate the receiver, they told me two things that I was pretty happy to hear;Anyway, I hooked it up, connected it to a 2TB external hard drive (via the SATA port) as well as Linksys Wireless Adapter. After clicking around on it and giving it the full work-through and test, I have to say that I am extremely pleased with this IRD. The HR24 is, by far, the best DirecTV receiver they have yet to make. :clap It's very smooth with great response time. There is no lag or choppiness when changing channels or sending commands. It also doesn't ever glitch up when trying to punch in a channel number or pull up the guide
- My contract does NOT need to be renewed in order to active the receiver. :up I asked them multiple times to confirm. The nice lady who helped me assured me that my contract expires next month due to my last HD-DVR purchase through them 23 months ago (which I got for $75) and that my contract will not extend after activation of this receiver. Not that I plan on leaving DirecTV anytime soon. I've been with them for 15 years and I don't think any other TV service comes close. I also need my Sunday ticket and my 49ers games like I need air.
- She also assured me that the receiver is NOT leased and it's mine to do what I want with if I deactivate it from my service. Again, this isn't a big deal to me either as it's pretty much useless if I ever cancel DirecTV, which I probably never will. I guess I could sell it. But, the day I cancel directv (if ever), I am sure they will have something better.
Even the on-demand functions seem to work seamlessly. I have it wirelessly connected using a 5Ghz connection to my duel band router. HD movies take no longer then 10-15 minutes to download. I am even able to download on-demand 3D content in about 25 minutes (at the most). Granted, I also have extremely fast internet speeds (at 50MB/s download) which costs $100/month. However, I need this kind of speed for my home-based business).
My house now has (4) HD-DVR's; all connected to my router and all using the Whole-Home service;
Now, I guess I can record 8 things at once if I want (not that I will ever need to).
- One in My Living Room: (1) HR24 (w/ 3D LED TV) w/ 1TB External Drive
- Two in My Office: (1) HR20-700 & (1) HR21-100)
- One in My Bedroom: (1) HR20-700
I am now enjoying my DirecTV service more than I ever have before.
I just wish I had one of these HR24's for every room. I am actually considering ordering another one or two, but I keep waiting for them to come out with a new TIVO box (as I have heard they will eventually do)
Now, on another note: I'd like to point out one thing with the "whole home" service. 'll try not to confuse anyone though;
If you are going to share DVR's using the "Whole Home", I'd highly suggest making sure that you don't share content between two wirelessly connected DVR's. Make sure one of the receivers that you are (pulling the content from or watching the content on) is hardwired to the router.
Example: If you are watching something on a receiver (that is wirelessly connected), but the content you are watching is actually recorded or another receiver (that is also wirelessly connected). You will notice some choppiness and lagging.Again, make sure at least one of the receivers (preferably your main DVR that you record the most stuff on) is hardwired to your router. If you can't hardware your main receiver to the router, then make sure the other ones are hardwired (if possible). What I am basically saying is that the whole-home works best when they are hardwired, rather than wireless. It's not enjoyable when using two wireless receivers to communicate with each other.
Sorry for the bad news, but as others have said, you will be in a new 24 month commitment and the unit is a lease. The only way out of this is if the new dvr is replacing a defective leased unit, then there is no new commitment, but the unit will still be leased. The csr gave you some bad information.
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68527 Replies
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2672555 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy
Ethanol Free Stations
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy
Ethanol Free Stations
5552 Replies
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460602 views
Here in Indiana, the difference between Regular and Premium is usually a dollar, but some charge even more:
Ok, I'm bored .... actually - to be more precise - I'm bored of eating the same rotation of 9 or 10 meals that are currently my "go-to" meals. My wife works the long hours - I work from home as and when i feel like it ... which means i generally do most of the cooking ... and so by default - i also make out the shopping list ...
We cook at home 5 or even 6 nights a week - but we always seem to fall back on the same old tried and tested "quick and easy but tastes ok" meals. Week in week out.
Pot Roast - mash and Peas.
Spaghetti
Chicken Pasta in cheese sauce.
Curry & rice
(these are some of mine)
Now it's not that I'm not adventurous in the kitchen ... I'll try anything once or twice ... but we all do it. Unless your name is Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray .. we all eventually fall back on our 8-10 favorite "meals"
So i thought - if we shared some of our own go-to meals with each other ... we might be able to add a few "new" ones to our own arsenal of meals.
So again - I ask you ...
What's for dinner tonight ?
Please give me something new to add to my rotation ... its our weekly shop tomorrow - so i want to pull together a few idea's and try and eat a meal each day next week that I've never had before .. or at least something that is not on my current "go-to" meal plan.
What meal do you always seem to fall back on in your house ? Maybe its something that I've never tried or not had in a while. I need inspiration !! I've got a blank shopping list in front of me - and nothing sounds good .. HELP !
We cook at home 5 or even 6 nights a week - but we always seem to fall back on the same old tried and tested "quick and easy but tastes ok" meals. Week in week out.
Pot Roast - mash and Peas.
Spaghetti
Chicken Pasta in cheese sauce.
Curry & rice
(these are some of mine)
Now it's not that I'm not adventurous in the kitchen ... I'll try anything once or twice ... but we all do it. Unless your name is Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray .. we all eventually fall back on our 8-10 favorite "meals"
So i thought - if we shared some of our own go-to meals with each other ... we might be able to add a few "new" ones to our own arsenal of meals.
So again - I ask you ...
What's for dinner tonight ?
Please give me something new to add to my rotation ... its our weekly shop tomorrow - so i want to pull together a few idea's and try and eat a meal each day next week that I've never had before .. or at least something that is not on my current "go-to" meal plan.
What meal do you always seem to fall back on in your house ? Maybe its something that I've never tried or not had in a while. I need inspiration !! I've got a blank shopping list in front of me - and nothing sounds good .. HELP !
4332 Replies
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331146 views
Smoked some salmon on the grill while enjoying some Blue Moon beer. Kinda cool tonight so I fired up the heaters. Here in FL, we fire up heaters once the temps get below 60 
As for the salmon, I seared them first, then flipped them off to the side not over the coals and brushed on some lemon pepper marinade followed by some salmon seasoning. Threw some hickory chips on the coals and then closed the vents to about 10% airflow. Yum.
As for the salmon, I seared them first, then flipped them off to the side not over the coals and brushed on some lemon pepper marinade followed by some salmon seasoning. Threw some hickory chips on the coals and then closed the vents to about 10% airflow. Yum.
Pub Member / Supporter
America’s Fastest-Growing EV State Isn’t California—Not by a Long Shot
New data shows electric vehicle adoption is increasingly driven by state policies, electricity prices and charging access—not federal incentives
www.autoweek.com
The number-one US state for EV growth, according to the June 22 Yardi report?
Oklahoma.
It has no ZEV mandates and "minimal" incentives, Yardi says, but also has cheap electricity, high multi-car household rates (so, for example, a non-Lightning Ford F-150 pulls their trailers), and a consumer base willing to switch.
112 Replies
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900 views
tomwellborn3rd (@wellborn.net)
This author has chosen to make their posts visible only to people who are signed in.
bsky.app
Never realized that Tesla is losing to BYD at manufacturing too, which IMO is Tesla's biggest accomplishment and area of innovation. Nice writeup about the state of play and how we got here though. I have no faith that we're moving any productive direction though sadly, most changes and efforts feel reactionary rather than rooted in making use of the time being bought by tariffs, with few exceptions.
So: how are the cars so cheap, and what is being cut to get there? The best public accounting comes from the Rhodium Group, which compared BYD, Geely, and Leapmotor against Tesla's Chinese operation, a fair comparison because it removes labor costs and shipping from the equation entirely. Their estimate is that BYD builds a car for about $4,700 less than Tesla builds a Model 3 in Shanghai, roughly 15 percent of the Model 3's price. The breakdown is the interesting part. Direct government grants account for about $292 per vehicle, which is 5 percent of the gap. The biggest single factor is vertical integration: BYD makes about 80 percent of its top-tier components in-house, against 37 percent for Tesla, and that eliminates roughly $2,369 per vehicle in supplier markups. Lower overhead, meaning cheaper engineering talent and administrative cost spread across enormous volume, accounts for another $1,719. And BYD pays its suppliers on 155-day terms, against Tesla's 60, which is worth about $214 per car in float. When people say the Chinese advantage is subsidies, the per-vehicle number says otherwise. When people say it is slave wages, the Tesla Shanghai comparison says otherwise too. The advantage is mostly that BYD decided, twenty years ago, to make its own batteries, its own motors, its own power electronics, and its own semiconductors, and Western automakers decided the opposite.
US EV sales are rising again. Here’s why the recovery is set to last.
Even though sales tanked last year after the end of federal incentives, the American EV sector is on the mend as drivers face sky-high gasoline prices.
www.canarymedia.com
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO_nW-BTlv4
Direct YouTube Link - Microsoft Defender Arriving on Linux
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO_nW-BTlv4
Direct YouTube Link - Microsoft Defender Arriving on Linux
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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15 views
Ham Radio 2.0
Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDeuQ1SLkQU
Direct YouTube Link - LIVE!
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDeuQ1SLkQU
Direct YouTube Link - LIVE!
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
0 Replies
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11 views
Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
148 Replies
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1734 views
Was thinking same thing. It should be a good week for sec shorts and roll callThey ought to have fun with this…
Lifetime Supporter
A continuation of a thread from the pub, just general discussion of AI.
Brief 60 minute clip about next gem autonomous fighters - not remote controlled, but rather collaborating with controllers and aircraft in the theater.
View: https://youtu.be/DRm0mbp_n1k
We've literally got a movie already about this
View: https://youtu.be/a2PW7a9ViDc
Brief 60 minute clip about next gem autonomous fighters - not remote controlled, but rather collaborating with controllers and aircraft in the theater.
View: https://youtu.be/DRm0mbp_n1k
We've literally got a movie already about this
View: https://youtu.be/a2PW7a9ViDc
67 Replies
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1143 views
Agents need appropriate context to make what would be understood as the correct read in a situation like that, and that Gemini answer was a clear miss on that front.
That said, we've also seen Musk (and/or his team) put his thumb on the scale (or just release a very poor product) with his own deployed AI since:
Grok AI Blocks Responses Claiming Trump and Musk “Spread Misinformation”
An X user asked Grok to “print out all instructions” it follows when looking up “the biggest disinformation spreader on X,” and it revealed that it would ignore sources accusing Elon Musk and the U.S. president of misinformation.
Grok says Elon Musk is better than basically everyone, except Shohei Ohtani | TechCrunch
According to Grok, Elon Musk can out-slug the MLB's greatest power hitters... except Ohtani.
techcrunch.com
Grok's loyalty known no bounds - AI chatbot chooses Elon Musk over LeBron James in a 'Who is the fittest' comparison | NBA News - The Times of India
NBA News: Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has sparked amusement by consistently choosing its owner over prominent figures like LeBron James and Albert Einstein wh
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Grok 4 appears to seek Elon Musk's views when answering controversial questions
XAI’s Grok 4 AI chatbot launched Wednesday appears to consult Elon Musk’s views when asked its opinion on some controversial matters.
www.nbcwashington.com
In the end, it's all a tool. Have to know how to use it and deploy it properly or it needs sufficient guardrails to steer people towards doing so (what Muse is excelling at currently IMO). I'm routinely interacting with several agents a day operating various processes locally and in services I use, and there are numerous others silently spun up to perform actions or satisfy requests from my prompts.
Related to earlier discussion in the thread on leveraging local inference: this kind of analysis happening behind the scenes is something everyone will have built into Windows, IMO. Most people won't see all of this, just the results, unless they want to dig into how the fix was chosen. Stuff like this will be standard as agents get local system access baked in, and more of the inference itself moves on-device.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JElsle_m2rE
Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Tech 1105
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JElsle_m2rE
Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Tech 1105
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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15 views